Pinterest Users Want White House Homemaking Tips

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The White House is officially on Pinterest. So far, one pin
— a teaser inviting people to join the first family at a holiday
social on Dec. 17 — has been posted to a single board "1600,"
featuring the Obama family dog Bo.

A select few Pinterest
users will be chosen to attend the event (registration
has closed), where they will check out the White House decor,
meet the people who decorated the White House for the holidays,
participate in a craft project and, of course, share it all on
Pinterest.

While the president's Pinterest follower count has reached nearly
8,000, it comes nowhere near the pope's
initial fan count of more than 500,000 on Twitter.
But Pinterest users are a far more positive bunch than those
on Twitter. As requested, they're leaving their comments as to
what they'd like to see pinned from the White House.

If you've ever wondered whether Pinterest is really a site for
the ladies, wonder no more. Recipes, gardening tips and
Michelle's dresses top the list of pin requests. "There should be
an entire board of Michelle's wardrobe! As well as her tips and
tricks to staying so fit!" one user, Ellie Shahin, wrote.

And others want a behind-the-scenes view of life at the White
House. "Spill the beans about what goes on in the real West
wing!" Dode Waller said. "Love to hear gardening tips from the
First Lady and basketball
tips from the President!" Even cleaning tips would be
welcome, posted Julia Riemer.

Another pinner requested that the president and Michelle post
photos showing their travels. "We often get to see images from
the media of you, but it would be great for you to share what you
see," MyZWright wrote.

There's always a humbug in the crowd, though. "I would rather the
person who's being paid to keep this board actually do something
USEFUL for the nation," Minou Barton said.

However, the White House has already demonstrated mastery of many
a social media outlet, including Twitter, Facebook
and Reddit
. Pinterest may be an opportunity to connect with constituents in
a more personal way.

New boards and pins will be posted on Monday, Dec. 17, the day of
the social.